GLE Class (W166) Produced 2015-2019

17' GLE 400 Reliability? High Miles?

Old Jan 1, 2023 | 09:52 PM
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CWorthington's Avatar
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2016 GLE 350 4Matic
17' GLE 400 Reliability? High Miles?

Hi All,

Looking at getting into a 2017 GLE 400 that is packaged how I like, but it has 65,xxx miles. Service records show it's been maintained at dealer since new, and has not been in any accidents.
I'm familiar with the 350 reliability, but very unfamiliar with the 400 reliability, things to look out for, and increased maintenance costs / risks. Would love to hear some advice.

Thanks!
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Old Jan 1, 2023 | 10:06 PM
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2017 GLE350 4MATIC
One of the best preowned MBs available. The only models better imo would be a 2018 or 2019 if the budget allows.

The 400 uses the 3.0L twin turbo variant of the reliable M276 V6 engine. There have been no reports on this site that the 3.0L TT in the 400 model is less reliable than the 3.5L NA in the 350 model.

Going beyond powertrain, the 166 platform is solid: body, chassis, electrics, HVAC, seats/interior, etc.
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Old Jan 1, 2023 | 10:29 PM
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2016 GLE 350 4Matic
Hey thanks for this advice. I don't think I want the 43 version, and couldn't find any 400's after 2017, but will check again.
I am excited that the engine seems to be reliable!

Budget is about 45k, but preferably 40k so can definetaly afford one with more options. This one is lunar blue with black interior & night package which I LOVE, which is the only reason why I am considering it with the high miles. It's only 29k, so I figured I can buy a 3-5 year bumper to bumper warranty and be covered.

Thanks!!
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Old Jan 1, 2023 | 11:46 PM
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2017 GLE350 4MATIC
GLE400 replaced the 350 in 2019. I think there were no 400s in the US market in 2018.

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Old Jan 2, 2023 | 10:46 AM
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2024 GLE 450, 2009 SLK 300
I have a 2018 GLE 550e. It has the same 3.0l twin turbo V6 as the GLE 400. The engine has been rock solid for 75,000 miles. I did have the hard downshift problem that seems common to the 7 and 9 speed transmissions. This was finally resolved with a new transmission valve body. The only other issue I had was a creaking center console that was replaced under warranty. I would avoid the 20 inch wheels unless the vehicle has an air suspension. Those 45 aspect ratio tires make for a very stiff ride on city streets.
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Old Jan 2, 2023 | 11:25 AM
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Aston Martin Vantage, GLE 43 AMG, Volvo XC60, BMW X1 35i, Ram 1500, BMW Z4 35i
Wow. 2 years ago I bought my 2017 GLE 43 very loaded with 42k miles for high mid 30's...
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Old Jan 2, 2023 | 12:23 PM
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Originally Posted by BlueYonder
I have a 2018 GLE 550e. It has the same 3.0l twin turbo V6 as the GLE 400. The engine has been rock solid for 75,000 miles. I did have the hard downshift problem that seems common to the 7 and 9 speed transmissions. This was finally resolved with a new transmission valve body. The only other issue I had was a creaking center console that was replaced under warranty. I would avoid the 20 inch wheels unless the vehicle has an air suspension. Those 45 aspect ratio tires make for a very stiff ride on city streets.
For whatever reason, Mercedes decided to make less powerful 400 available only with 20" wheels/tires, while more powerful with larger front brakes 550e had 19" standard with 20" optional.
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Old Jan 4, 2023 | 03:12 AM
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16 GLE400 4matic
Originally Posted by CWorthington
Hi All,

Looking at getting into a 2017 GLE 400 that is packaged how I like, but it has 65,xxx miles. Service records show it's been maintained at dealer since new, and has not been in any accidents.
I'm familiar with the 350 reliability, but very unfamiliar with the 400 reliability, things to look out for, and increased maintenance costs / risks. Would love to hear some advice.

Thanks!
I have a 2016. I drove my GLE400 on a 2k-2.5k miles road trip (round trip) back in August heat from Washington D.C. to Orlando Florida then to Hutchinson Island just north of West Palm Beach area. I have no issue with it except very minor seepage of oil around the cam gear cover plates when I first bought it. I talk to my friend that is a MB tech and he said this is a small issue with these motors from the factory. Just need to be clean and reseal. I have not done mine yet because I'm waiting till it's time to do the serpentine belt. Other then that I was very happy that I got the 400 over the 350. I came from the M113 motors (5.0L V8) in my CLK500 (W209) that I have owned for over 14 years.

I have the 20" AMG wheels on my GLE400 and I have no issues with them. I'm not on Air suspension. It is a very comfortable ride.

I tell everyone you need to go test drive the vehicles and what ever your heart desire but you have to be smart about it and go for the purchase of that vehicle.

Last edited by amusa; Jan 4, 2023 at 03:20 AM.
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Old Apr 11, 2023 | 11:52 AM
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My GLE400 has over 161k miles now and still running like a champ! I did simple maintenance and took care of some seals but overall its been a great car.
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